TIPS AND TRICKS: Booklets & Binding Options

Mar 3rd, 2011

Booklets are a great way to communicate your message with your clients, employees, trainees, etc.: In this short-attention-span world in which we live, a booklet is the perfect way to communicate your message thoroughly and quickly. They are a convenient size, don't weigh much, tuck in a purse, or sit nicely in a row on a shelf. Instruction books, reference books, guide books, record-keepers, employee guidelines, mini-catalogs, health-care reference books, maps, and more - the possibilities are endless. How to create a library of booklets that will be easy to reference: If your topic includes several different categories, or if you have several different lines of product, it is a good idea to keep the size and overall look consistent, but change one design element for easy reference for the recipient. For instance: design all books to be the same overall dimension and use the same binding method (spiral, booklet-making, perfect-binding, etc.), but change the color of the cover, or the color of the spiral. Envision the credenza in your recipient's office or home with your books all neatly lined up, looking consistent, with easy differentiation between the topics by just looking at the spine. Speaking of binding/finishing methods: The classic method for finishing a booklet is called "booklet-making" or "saddle-stitching"...usually under about 15-20 sheets that get folded in half and stapled on the folded edge. Other frequently used methods of binding are spiral, wire-o, or perfect binding. (More on each binding method within the archived "Bindery and Finishing" section of my blog, but one note-worthy thing is that perfect binding will also give you the option of printing right on the spine...another easy reference tip). Tips on saving money on your booklets: There are many variables, and a lot depends of the quantity, but some general tips are: Design your booklets without bleed (no image running off the edge), and black and white printing is less expensive than color printing, changing the color of the cover paper is less expensive than printing the colors in color (but carefully evaluate this because the little bit of cost a color cover will add enables your cover pictures to be in color, which can be important). If you are supplying print-ready files to save money, supply hi-res single page PDF's. We can help you evaluate all of the above, plus paper choices, quantities, various methods of production (digital printing vs. offset printing) and bindery options. Highlight Printing is a well-respected Minneapolis printer that focuses on the complete needs of the client from creative to offset printing and digital printing, 3M Post-It notes, bindery, warehousing, fulfillment, mailing, and distribution. Please contact us @ 612.522.7600, lisab@highlightprinting.com or www.highlightprinting.com